The Public Administration Select Committee (PASC) is now undertaking an inquiry into the government’s proposals for the “Big Society”, as part of its interest in the wider theme of smaller government. The inquiry will look particularly at the desirability and implications of encouraging innovative forms of public service provision by social enterprises, co-operatives and the voluntary sector.

In July last year London Civic Forum was asked to contribute our ideas to the development of the Governments legislative and non-legislative policy around Decentralization and Localism and after consultation with members and stakeholders, we submitted our recommendations in September 2010.  We also submitted and were called to give evidence to the Community and Local Government Select Committee’s Inquiry into Localism.

In order to build on the work we have done, we would now like to gather evidence on a number of the issues highlighted by the PSAC which we feel will be of particular interest to our members and stakeholders.

You will find here a short paper outlining the background to this inquiry and the questions which we are particularly interested in hearing your views on.

We would be grateful if you could submit your response by Tuesday 8th March